SPAIN: Del Bosque controversially selects Casillas ahead of De Gea

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque once again kept faith with captain Iker Casillas in goal ahead of rising star David de Gea for his side’s crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Ukraine on Friday.

De Gea has been in sensational form for Manchester United this season, while Casillas has come under increasing pressure at Real Madrid due to high-profile errors against Atletico Madrid and Schalke in recent months.

There is widespread speculation that De Gea could even replace Casillas at Madrid next season with his contract at United due to expire in 2016 and talks over a new deal having stalled.

Casillas was also one of the main culprits in the European champions’ feeble defence of the World Cup last year, but Del Bosque has persisted with his reputation for being loyal to his established stars.

However, Juventus striker Alvaro Morata is handed a first start in a competitive international in the absence of injured Chelsea front man Diego Costa.

Spain and Ukraine are locked on nine points apiece in Group C, three points behind leaders Slovakia, with two sides qualifying automatically for the championships in France next year.